Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation, excessive weight loss and negative body image. Anorexia can affect individuals of all genders, races and ethnicities. While most common among females, about 10-15% of all individuals with anorexia are males. People of all ages develop anorexia but it is most common for onset to occur during adolescence. In fact, anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents in the United States.

Restriction of energy intake relative to requirement, leading to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health.

Intense fear of gaining weight or of becoming fat, or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain, even though at a significantly low weight

Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

Signs & Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Not everyone with anorexia experiences all of the same symptoms and behaviors. This is a fairly extensive breakdown of some of the most common behaviors that you might notice in someone who has anorexia. If you notice that you or someone you love, is experiencing some or many of the items on this list, we encourage you to seek help.

Weight & Shape Concerns – Individuals with anorexia struggle with an intense preoccupation with their weight and shape. Overall, there is an indication that weight loss is of primary importance and it begins to take precedence over other important life roles and responsibilities. You may notice some of the following thoughts and behaviors occurring:

Dramatic weight loss, or failure to make expected weight gains during periods of normal growth (i.e. during childhood, adolescence, pregnancy)

Food & Eating Behaviors - It may seem counterintuitive, but individuals with anorexia often spend a great deal of time thinking about, obsessing over and even preparing food. In an attempt to avoid weight gain, individuals will often develop rigid food rules and become preoccupied with thoughts of food and methods of controlling their intake. Common signs and symptoms related to food and eating include:

Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions on entire categories of food (e.g. no carbohydrates, no meat, no processed foods);

Collecting or hoarding recipes

Cooking elaborate meals for other people but not eating the food

Development of food rituals (e.g. eating foods in a certain order, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate)

Possible use of laxatives, diet aids or herbal weight loss products

Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food

Changes in Personality and Social Behavior - Individuals at risk for anorexia are often high-achieving individuals with a tendency towards perfectionism. These personality characteristics can become heightened during the disorder. Other behavior changes and warning signs might include:

Increasing isolation; withdrawal from friends and activities that were once enjoyed

Symptoms of depression and anxiety (this can be a sign of an underlying co-occurring disorder or may be a biological response to extreme low body weight)

Irritability, moodiness

Interpersonal conflicts

Defensive stance when confronted about weight or eating behaviors

Low energy and fatigue

Use of pro-Ana websites (internet groups that promote/support anorexia)

Posting of “thinspiration” on social networking sites (images of emaciated models used as inspiration to pursue anorexic behaviors)

It can be very easy to confuse behaviors in the early stages of anorexia with a simple desire to “eat healthy”, “get in shape” or “just lose a few pounds”. Unfortunately, for people who are genetically at-risk for an eating disorder, these seemingly harmless goals can quickly escalate into rapid weight loss and a full blown eating disorder. This is one reason why it’s important for parents, educators, physicians, and coaches to be fully aware of the red flags.

Health Consequences & Medical Complications of Anorexia Nervosa

In addition to the signs and symptoms of anorexia listed above, you may also notice significant changes in their health and physical functioning.In anorexia nervosa’s cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. The body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious acute and long-term medical consequences including:

Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure

Damage to the structure and function of the heart; increased risk of heart failure and death

Reduction of bone density (osteopenia and osteoporosis) which results in dry, brittle bones

Muscle loss and weakness

Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure

Edema (swelling)

Fainting, fatigue, lethargy and overall weakness

Dry skin and hair, brittle hair and nails, hair loss

Anemia (can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, increased infections, and heart palpitations)

Severe constipation

Prepubertal patients may have arrested sexual maturity and growth failure.

Drop in internal body temperature, with subsequent growth of a downy layer of hair called “lanugo,” which is the body’s effort to keep itself warm

Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle)

Infertility, increased rates of miscarriage and other fetal complications

If you or a loved one are exhibiting symptoms of anorexia nervosa please contact us at (410) 938-5252 to complete an over-the-phone assessment. Our admissions coordinators are available to answer any questions you might have and can help to make initial recommendations regarding treatment and support.

Free Weekly Support Group

Join us each week from 7:00 to 8:30 PM for a recovery-focused support group open to anyone struggling with any type of eating disorder as well as friends, family and support people. This group is FREE and facilitated by a licensed clinician.

#LetsCheckIn VIDEOS

These four video vignettes provide examples of real-life interactions, negative self-talk and disordered eating behaviors that indicate it might be time to check in more closely with a friend or family member.

Free Weekly Support Group

Join us each week from 7:00 to 8:30 PM for a recovery-focused support group open to anyone struggling with any type of eating disorder as well as friends, family and support people. This group is FREE and facilitated by a licensed clinician.